In Response to “Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener”
Written by Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the New York Times article “Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener”
Should the potential to emit greenhouse gases and deposit garbage in a landfill cost more than non-air emitting energy production and recycling?
Most states have passed laws to limit or prohibit smoking indoors primarily to protect others from the effects of second-hand smoke. Taxes on cigarettes have also increased as a way to fund prevention and reimburse states for the cost of care for those who develop diseases.
Should energy and waste be different?
Individual consumer choices of cars, appliances, and transportation have a direct impact on the emissions produced. For instance, some cars produce 80% less emissions than others for nearly the same footprint. Encouraging recycling by charging more to throw something away may possibly create some opportunities in the recycling industry. That is; there will be more people thinking about how to actually use what people throw away instead of burying it or burning it.
Whether it’s called carbon tax or not, the idea of accounting for the whole impact of energy and individual purchases (be it human health or environmental,) should be considered. It is already costing everyone something and now the question is: should that cost be shifted to those who produce more emissions and garbage?
Ireland and many states and cities are trying something else.
Check out the New York Times article:“Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener”